Your dose of pseudoephedrine will depend on the medicine you're taking.
Depending on whether you are prescribed pseudoephedrine, buy it from a pharmacy, or if it is mixed with other medicines, the instructions that come with it will be different.
If you buy pseudoephedrine or any medicine containing pseudoephedrine from a pharmacy, follow the instructions that come with the packet or ask a pharmacist for advice.
Dosage and strength
Pseudoephedrine comes as 60mg tablets or as a liquid containing 30mg in 5ml.
The usual dose is:
- adults and children aged 12 to 17 years – one 60mg tablet or two 5ml spoons (10ml) of liquid up to 4 times a day
- children aged 6 to 11 years – half a tablet (30mg) or one 5ml spoon of liquid up to 4 times a day. This depends on their age and symptoms, so ask a doctor or pharmacist
How to take it
You can take pseudoephedrine tablets and liquid with or without food. Always take your tablets with a drink of water.
Liquid medicines containing pseudoephedrine come with a plastic syringe or spoon to help you measure out the right dose.
If you do not have a syringe or spoon, ask a pharmacist for one. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not measure the right amount.
How long to take it for
You can take pseudoephedrine for a few days, usually up to 5 to 7 days, for the short-term relief of a stuffy or blocked nose.
Only take it for longer than 7 days if a doctor has said it's OK.
Pseudoephedrine should not be given to children aged 6 to 11 years for more than 5 days unless their doctor has said it is OK.
If you forget to take it
If you forget to take a dose, take the next dose when you need it.
Always leave at least 4 hours between doses.
Do not take 2 doses to make up for a missed one.
If you take too much
Taking too much pseudoephedrine can be dangerous. It can make you restless, make your heartbeat faster, and make you feel sick or vomit. You may also have difficulty peeing.
Urgent advice: Contact 111 for advice now if:
- you take more than the recommended dose of pseudoephedrine
Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111.
If you need to go to A&E, do not drive yourself. Get someone else to drive you or call for an ambulance.
Take the pseudoephedrine packet or leaflet inside it, plus any remaining medicine, with you.